Port of Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay, formerly Gorda Cay, is an ultra-tidy 1,000-acre splash of sun and sand located near Great Abaco Island. Owned by the Walt Disney Company, the island is used exclusively for passengers of its cruise line -- though alert cinephiles may also remember it as the spot where Tom Hanks finds his mermaid (Daryl Hannah) in "Splash." Before becoming one of the cruise line's most popular ports of call, it was a haven for pirates and, subsequently, smugglers. (An airplane runway that runs down the spine of the island is no longer used, though it remains a busy thoroughfare for bicyclists, pedestrians and trams.)

Good to Know

You'll fork over extra for booze, souvenirs, water sports equipment (paddleboats, kayaks, sailboats, snorkel gear) and shore excursions like the Stingray Adventure, Watercraft Ski Adventure and Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure. One cool extra fee: The island has its own post office with a special Disney-themed postmark, though you'll need cash to pay for stamps. (Your key card will work everywhere else.)

What Sets It Apart

It's Disney, so you're in for a mega-themed day at the beach with family and friends. Happily, you don't have to spend all your time with them. Disney Cruise Line Wave Phones (glorified two-way radios that are provided free of charge onboard) also work on the island, so you can separate and still stay connected.